I’ve asked the travel experts, and they have reported back with the most beautiful hikes in the world for you to explore on your next outdoor hiking adventure!
From the impressive historic ruins of Machu Picchu in Peru to the towering Mount Bromo in Indonesia, I have collected plenty of personal experiences along the top hiking trails in the world.
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Pha Daeng Peak, Laos
Recommended by Sasha from Mog and Dog Travels
The landlocked nation of Laos in South East Asia is home to some of the most beautiful hiking trails in the world. If you’re looking for stunning, take-your-breath-away scenery then look no further than the hike to Pha Daeng Peak (also known as Nong Khiaw viewpoint) in Northern Laos.
The beautiful hike begins just outside the tiny and very picturesque town of Nong Khiaw which lies along the Nam Ou river and is surrounded by towering limestone mountains.
The most popular times for hiking Pha Daeng Peak are just before sunrise or sunset – if you choose to do a sunset hike do make sure that you bring a torch with you as the steep path can be difficult to navigate in the dark.
Hiking to the top of Pha Daeng Peak can take between 1-1.5 hours depending on your level of fitness and the trail is open all year round. However, be aware that during the rainy season the path up to the viewpoint becomes very muddy and slippery and so the hike will take longer.
Whilst the beautiful trail itself is mostly surrounded by dense forest, it is the scenery from the top of the peak that makes this hike one of the most beautiful hikes in the world: 360-degree views of lush green paddy fields, forested mountains and the Nam Ou river snaking off into the distance below.
If you make the effort to hike the trail before sunrise, you will see the incredible sight of a sea of clouds floating just over the town that dissipates as day breaks.
Campuhan Ridge Walk, Bali
Recommended by Michelle from The Scrapbook of Life
A beautiful hiking trail in Bali, the Campuhan Ridge Walk is an easy 2km hike nestled in the tranquil town of Ubud. A palm-tree lined walkway which rolls across the hilltop, the Campuhan Ridge Walk offers stunning vistas across the surrounding valleys and paddy fields.
But the cherry on top is the outstanding views across the tiered rice terraces at the end, making it by far one of the best things to do in Ubud.The Campuhan Ridge Walk, as one of the most beautiful hikes, is within walking distance of Ubud town center.
To begin the walk, you will need to head to Warwick IBAH Luxury Villas and Spa. Instead of continuing into Warwick IBAH, continue down the steep road to the left of the hotel which will take you to a small bridge.
Take the steps to the right before crossing this bridge, whichwill lead you over a footbridge. You should see signs for the Campuhan Ridge Walk, but if not just follow the path!
At the end of the Campuhan Ridge Walk you will reach a small settlement and Karsa Café which marks the end of this hike. Karsa Café offers the most beautiful and serene space to enjoy the vistas across the rice terraces and paddy fields.
It is the perfect place to rest your legs whilst enjoying the juice of a fresh coconut! For cooler temperatures and less people, the best time to trek the Campuhan Ridge Walk is earlyin the morning or later in the afternoon.
The Old Man of Storr, Scotland
Recommended by Rachel from Average Lives
The Old Man of Storr, as one of the most beautiful hikes in the world, is on the enchanting Isle of Skye in the Scottish Highlands.
The hike to reach it is one of the most beautiful hikes in the world due to the iconic rock formation at the top of the hill. It is a popular place to watch the sunrise or sunset because there is nowhere else like it and you can also wild camp here.
It is not too challenging, but it can be steep and muddy in some parts.
Therefore, you should allow at least 2 hours to complete the hike because it will take 40-minutes to reach the top and another 15-minutes to see the rocks up close.
Scottish weather can be unpredictable, and a useful tip to remember is that if you cannot see the rocks from the road, you should come back another time.
There is a paid car park at the starting point, and it does get very busy at times. The best time to visit is October because the weather is mild, there are fewer people and no midges. If you are hiking in the summer, you should wear midge repellent because they can be unbearable.
Despite this, there is no denying that the Old Man of Storr is one of the world’s best hikes. Nothing comes close to the impressive scenery, and feeling like you are in a magical, natural wonderland.
Six Foot Track, Australia
Recommended by Emma from Emma Jane Explores
The Six Foot Track is one of Australia’s most spectacular hikes. Located in the UNESCO World Heritage Listed Blue Mountains region of New South Wales and ending at the mind-blowingly beautiful Jenolan Caves, this three-day hike packs a massive punch in terms of gorgeous scenery.
The hike kicks off at the Explorer Tree in the township of Katoomba.
At 44.3km long, this hiking trail is challenging as it winds through the mountains, though it is a little easier if you start at the Jenolan Caves and go downhill.
There are plenty of established designated camping areas along the trail and in the Blue Mountains, hikers can also hire a free emergency beacon in case it is required in remote areas. This is definitely a good idea as along the trail, walkers may encounter snakes or spiders that could be venomous.
As Australia is extremely hot and prone to bushfires, avoid the beautiful track during the months of November to February. Autumn is the perfect time to tackle the bushwalk as the leaves in the mountains will be starting to turn shades of gold and red and the air will be a little cooler and more manageable.
Highlights of the beautiful walk are absolutely the incredible cave system at Jenolan and also the famous swing bridge at Cox’s River which suspends hikers above the water.
Borders Abbey Way, Scotland
Recommended by Heather from Conversant Traveller
If you love hiking and are wondering what to do in the Scottish Borders you might like to consider exploring the Borders Abbeys Way, one of the most beautiful hikes in the world.
This long-distance circular trail is 109km in length, but if you don’t have several days to complete the entire route, it’s easy to dip in and out of any of the five sections between the main towns like Melrose or Kelso. It be tackled in either direction to fit in with your onward plans.
The path takes in the four famous 12th century Border Abbeys – Jedburgh, Melrose, Dryburgh and Kelso – which are now historic ruins that are well worth a look as you pass.
Melrose Abbey was the supposed resting place of Robert the Bruce’s heart, and at Jedburgh you can take stunning photos from the tower.
The terrain is rural with undulating hills, wooded tracks and village roads, but suitable for anyone with a reasonable level of fitness as there are no high mountains to negotiate.
This part of Scotland never gets busy, so the route can be attempted at any time of year, but of course the warmer months are more pleasant.
Carnarvon Gorge, Australia
Recommended by Chris from The Aquarius Traveller
The beautiful Carnarvon Gorge is located in central Queensland and should not be missed if you’re touring around Australia.
Assessing the area would be easier with your own vehicle, although a 9-hour drive from Brisbane. An alternative is flying into Roma and hiring your car from there, which is only three hours away.
The main hike down the gorge, as one of the most beautiful hikes in the world, is 22 kilometers return and this is a long day’s hike on its own. You will spend the day trekking down both sides of the gorge while crossing the river several times.
Along the way, you have a few shorter routes coming off the track to see some particular and unique areas of the gorge. This includes the Moss Garden, Amphitheatre, Wards Canyon, Art Gallery, and Boolimba bluff. The hike as a whole is fairly easy, with little elevation and stairs only in a few sections.
There are both cabins and two camping locations available to stay in the National Park, or options can have you stay an hour away in a small town called Rolleston. After a longs days hiking, it’s recommended to stay somewhere close and most do opt for camping, as it’s the cheapest.
The best time to visit this beautiful hike would be during the winter season from June to August. The mornings are a bit cool, but will ensure a comfortable hike while keeping the water levels down making them easier to cross.
Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, Peru
Recommended by Claudia from My Adventures Across the World
Known as the Camino Inca in Spanish, the Inca Trail follows the route that the Quechua would walk to get to the sacred city of Machu Picchu, in the Andes.
This 4 days – 3 nights trek is easily one of the most beautiful in the world, during which you get to admire the incredible Andean landscape and to visit archeological sites that are otherwise inaccessible.
The cherry on the cake, however, is seeing the sunrise over Machu Picchu – one thing that only people on the official Inca Trail get to experience.
Other than the places you get to visit, the beautiful hike is made special by the companionship with the other members in the group, as well as the guides and the porters – indeed, this is a guided hike that requires special permits and that has to be booked via well-known tour operators months in advance.
While the terrain won’t pose a challenge, the fact that you will all the time be walking at more than 2500 meters above sea level (reaching peaks of 4000) will qualify this as a difficult trek.
Add to that the solid, steep uphill on the second day of the hike, and the uncertain weather conditions (if often rains, regardless of the season) and you can see it’s not for everyone.
Mount Assiniboine, Canada
Recommended by Roxanne from Wild About BC
While Canada is riddled with options of amazing hikes, Mount Assiniboine in eastern British Columbia offers the most spectacular views! Mount Assiniboine is often referred to as the Matterhorn of the Canadian Rockies due to its iconic pyramid peak that resembles its Swiss namesake.
The stunning peak, incredible glaciers, alpine meadows, beautiful lakes and the rugged surroundings make Mount Assiniboine one of the most beautiful hikes in the world.
One of the most appealing aspects of Mount Assiniboine is its remote location. This backcountry hiking spot can only be accessed either by hiking roughly 30km or by helicopter access every couple of days. With no road access, these stunning views feel even more spectacular with so few people around!
While some intense hikers make the trek in and out on foot, our recommendation is to treat yourself to a helicopter flight into Mount Assiniboine, spend a few days exploring the local trails and viewpoints, and then hike the 30km out. As the route out involves much less elevation gain than hiking into the park, this is the most common choice.
Hiking around Mount Assiniboine has become more desirable in recent years, and in order to preserve its untouched charm, camping reservations are required for the peak period (end of June to end of September.
The weather in the region can be unpredictable due to its alpine nature, but the best months to visit are typically July and August.
Expect to be wowed by this spectacular location and the true backcountry experience. If you are looking for an incredible adventure combined with once in a lifetime views, be sure to put Mount Assiniboine on your list of best beautiful hiking trails around the world!
Volcan Acatenango, Guatemala
Recommended by Jeanine from Le Wild Explorer
The Volcan Acatenango hike is one of the coolest volcano hikes in Guatemala. The trailhead is about an hour’s drive from the colonial city of Antigua. There are plenty of tour companies that take visitors from the city to the hike and guide them through this unique experience.
Hikers can expect an incredibly beautiful hike through lush forest and then be greeted with an incredible view of Volcan Fuego.
The overnight hike will give you the chance to stargaze and see Volcan Fuego erupt in the distance. You’ll have an early wake-up call, hike through the dark to be greeted by the sunrise at the summit.
This hike, as one of the most beautiful hikes in the world, is full of beauty and watching the sunrise will leave you in awe. Do note that the elevation can be intense for some.
It’s highly recommended to acclimate before the hike. Also, don’t let the temperature in Antigua and along the first portion of the hike fool you. The nights and early mornings are cold so do bring the appropriate attire to stay warm.
Bottle Beach Hike, Thailand
Recommended by Veronika Primm
The Bottle Beach hike is THE most famous trail in Koh Phangan and one of the most beautiful hikes in the world. Tropical hiking doesn’t get any better than this. The trail is quite well marked and goes two ways – either through a jungle or along the coast.
At the end of it, you’ll encounter the best reward – a secluded paradise beach. This beach is only accessible via hiking, a boat ride or a very long drive on dirt roads from the less inhabited part of the island.
To get on the hike, you need to drive to the North past Chaloklum all the way to Haad Khom and continue on the road until its end. From there, you can choose which of the two trails to take. The more popular jungle route is slightly shorter (2km) and it basically goes just uphill and then down. Most of the time you’re walking through a forest.
The second route is about 2,5km long and follows the coast. It offers a lot more views of the ocean. However, since local boats pass by frequently, it’s not as quiet as on the jungle route. Once at the Bottle Beach, you can enjoy some proper beach time and have a nice drink or a full-on meal at one of the four restaurants.
Count with at least 2 hours to accomplish this beautiful hike. For the way back, you can either choose to hike again, or hop on a boat ride. The hike can be done year-round, but it’s less enjoyable in the hottest months on Koh Phangan – April and May.
Bream Head Hike, New Zealand
Recommended by Kylie from Our Overseas Adventures
The Bream Head hike in Northland, New Zealand, one of the most beautiful hikes in the world, takes you through a mix of farmland with stunning views, dense native forest, ending at a secret beach that’s only accessible by foot.
It’s a perfect day hike that’s not too taxing, yet gives you the best of northern New Zealand’s beautiful coastal scenery – named by National Geographic as one of the top ten coastlines in the world. It’s the perfect stop on an Auckland to Cape Reinga road trip.
To access the beautiful hike, drive to the furthest point of Whangarei Heads and park your car at the Bream Head carpark. Follow the trail taking you over farmland to visit the historic World War II gun emplacements that were thankfully never used but have an interesting history.
From there, head into the forest and continue towards the signs for Smugglers Cove.
The detour to Busby Head is optional, but definitely worth doing, as you get incredible views out over the ocean and coastline.
Return back to the main path and it’s a short walk along to Smugglers Cove, a glorious stretch of white sand that’s only accessible by foot.
It’s the perfect spot for a picnic lunch and a quick swim before you head back to the track entrance.The round-trip hike takes about 2 hours and is best done during the summer months. On the way back, be sure to stop at the quaint Parua Bay Tavern for an icy cold beverage!
Related: Ultimate Guide to New Zealand Cruises
Tiger Leaping Gorge, China
Recommended by Jin & De Wet from Museum of Wander
The Tiger Leaping Gorge in Yunnan province, China is a spectacular two-day hike that will take you through some of the best mountain scenery in the country.
The combination of breathtaking scenery and the chance to stay at a homestay of the Naxi people make it the best hike in China and one of the most beautiful hikes in the world.
The 22 km trail follows one of the deepest gorges in the world. It’s a staggering 3 900 meters from the Jinshajiang River at the bottom to the mountain peaks along the trail. The trail itself is really straightforward though, and you don’t need any special equipment.
You don’t even need to take your tent, as there are several cosy homestays and guesthouses along the trail where you can get a comfortable sleep, hot showers and home cooked meals. The Tea Horse Guesthouse or the aptly named Halfway Guesthouse are both good places to stay overnight.
The Tiger Leaping Gorge hike can be undertaken at any time of year. However, the summer months are known for inhumane humidity levels and heavy rains. This is however also the best time to see the Jinshajiang River at its most powerful.
Mount Bromo, Indonesia
Recommended by Kaylini from The Curated Travelist
The Mount Bromo hike in Indonesia is considered to be a bucket-list-worthy experience as very few travelers can actually boast of peering into the depths of an active volcano during there trek on one of the most beautiful hikes in the world.
What makes this experience even more enticing is that there are two incredible viewpoints for this destination.
The first at sunrise, from Mount Penanjakan which allows you to take in the glowing ambers of sunrise and clouds dissipating to reveal the majestic panoramic landscape view of Mount Bromo volcano, Mount Batok, and looming Mount Semeru volcano.
After taking in the sunrise, a short 4X4 ride away is the point from which you’ll make your way up to the crater rim of Mount Bromo.
What travelers love here is that this beautiful hike looks quite other-worldly as the landscape is surrounded by a sea of volcanic ash.
The hike is also ridiculously easy as there have been make-shift stone stairs carved into the volcanic slope making it a very casual trek that only involves about 1 or 2 km of walking to reach this coveted experience.
This beautiful destination is a must for travelers visiting Indonesia looking for a ‘beyond-Bali’ adventure experience. Located in East Java, it is easily accessible by flight from Jakarta or Bali to the major cities of Surabaya or Malang.
Apart from the effortless nature of the hike, the easily accessible location and bucket list-worthy experience the price tag for a tour is exceptionally reasonable value for money for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Mestia Ushguli Trek, Georgia
Recommended by Kristin from Adventures with Ensuite
Located in a remote corner of Georgia, on the border with Russia, this beautiful trek shows off some of the best scenery the Caucasus mountains has to offer.
The Mestia Ushguli trek, as one of the most beautiful hikes in the world, is normally completed over four days but if you have limited time it can be completed in three days by taking a taxi part of the way.
Each day hikers enter a new valley and the scenery changes. Over the four days you will pass 5,000 meter high mountains and glaciers.
Nights are spent in guesthouses in ancient villages which have changed little since medieval times. The area is famous for its large stone defense towers. Nearly every family home has one. The towers used to protect the inhabitants during times of local bloodshed. Today the area is peaceful.
June is often rainy, and the snow can come as early as late-September, so the summer and early autumn months are the best times to go hiking. Booking accommodation in advance is recommended during school holidays.
This is a magical part of Georgia with its own culture and language. One reason the region has managed to keep these strong traditions is that it is time consuming to get there. On certain days of the week there is a flight to Mestia from Tbilisi.
However, the most popular way to travel to Mestia is by overnight train from Tbilisi plus a 2-hour bus trip for the last part of the journey into the mountains.
Valbona to Theth, Albania
Recommended by Emily from Wander-Lush
Every bit as scenic as the Austrian Alps (only without the crowds and high price tag), the Albanian Alps – also known by the more ominous moniker of the Accursed Mountains – is one of the most striking landscapes and beautiful hikes in the Balkans.
The region offers some of the most beautiful hiking trails on earth, including the famous alpine pass from Valbona to Theth.
The trek takes a full day at an ambling pace or if you’re fast on your feet, you can polish it off in around 5 hours. The trail crosses a high-altitude pass and thus requires a moderate level of fitness to complete.
It’s signed the entire way and relatively well-trodden, so a guide isn’t necessary. Budget extra time for rest stops at the mountain cabin cafes along the way, plus extra time at the top to take in the panoramic mountain views.
This is a village-to-village trek, so whatever you need, you have to carry with you. You can do the walk from either direction, but it’s preferable to hike from Valbona to Theth.
In Theth, you’ll find lots of cute guesthouse accommodations and more easy treks through the national park.
The main trail is only open in the warmer months, usually from late spring until mid-fall. Before making plans it’s recommended to check local weather conditions first to avoid disappointment.
Bachalpsee, Switzerland
Recommended by Carolyn from Holidays to Switzerland
The hiking trail from the summit of Mt. First to Bachalpsee is one of the most beautiful hikes in Switzerland and, thanks to its easy access, is one of the top things to do in Grindelwald.
Mt. First can be reached in just 25 minutes by cableway from the popular holiday resort of Grindelwald. At the summit, there are plenty of adrenaline-pumping activities to enjoy but the best way to appreciate the beauty of the surrounding landscape is to join the Bachalpsee hiking trail just near the cable car station.
The beautiful trail covers a distance of three kilometers on mostly flat ground, however there is a fairly steep section at the beginning of the trail. Along the way, you’ll be afforded incredible views over Grindelwald and to the north face of the Eiger.
During Spring and Summer, the alpine pastures beside the trail are home to grazing cattle and alpine flowers in bloom, but if you visit in the cooler months, you may find snow on the ground.
Your destination, Bachalpsee (Lake Bachalp), is a crystal clear alpine lake that sits at the foot of Mt. Schrekhorn. If you’re lucky enough to visit on a fine day, you can see a mirror image of Mt. Schrekhorn reflected in the lake.
Pack a picnic to enjoy beside the lake whilst you admire the spectacular alpine scenery all around you. There is nowhere to purchase food or drinks at Bachalpsee, so bring your own supplies.
Allow around 50 minutes to walk each way between First and Bachalpsee along one of the most beautiful hiking trails in the world.
Mount Tate, Japan
Recommended by Cecilie from Worldwide Walkers
Following the beautiful trail to the top of Mount Tate is without a doubt one of the best ways to experience this beautiful world.
Imagine hiking through a green mountainous landscape while having the incredible ocean view on one side, and the view of the beautiful Hida mountain range on the other. On top of that you have hot springs, waterfalls, and rivers in the nearby area.
The hiking trail is located in the Toyama Prefecture in Japan and can easily be done as a day hike.
The hike itself is less than 6 kilometers long, but don’t underestimate the difficulty as there is a steep incline before the peak. Once you reach the 3000 meter high peak, you can rest your legs or go explore the small shrine on the top.
You should only walk the trail between spring and autumn as the mountain range is covered in snow during winter. However, you can actually still visit the area during winter and experience the biggest snow wall in Japan.
Hiking Mount Tate in Japan, as one of the most beautiful hikes in the world, is an incredible experience. It takes some time getting there with public transportation, but it’s completely worth it once you find yourself in those beautiful mountains.
French Valley, Chilean Patagonia
Recommended by Rhonda from Travel Yes Please
The hike to the French Valley in Torres del Paine National Park is not the most famous hike in Chilean Patagonia, but it certainly is one of the most beautiful hikes in the world.
The trail delivers hikers to Mirador Valle del Frances, a lookout in the heart of the French Valley offering views of the French Glacier on Cerro Paine Grande.
On route to the valley, the trail passes by some turquoise colored lakes and crosses a golden meadow bordered by mountains.
During the hike there are some wonderful views of one of Patagonia’s most iconic mountains, the Cuernos del Paine (Paine Horns).
The French Valley, as one of the most beautiful hikes, can be visited on a day hike or as part of the multi-day W Trek. The hike is best done in the summer (December to February) and requires between 7 to 8 hours to complete at a moderate pace with breaks to enjoy the scenery.
Wadi Dana Trail, Jordan
Recommended by Ellis from Backpack Adventures
Jordan is mostly famous for its history and archeological wonders like Petra. However, Jordan is also a great destination for hiking.
The beautiful desert landscape is much more varied than one might initially think. When hiking through Jordan you come across mountainous rock formations, green river valleys, beautiful panorama views and welcoming traditional villages.
The Dana Biosphere Reserve is one of the best places in Jordan to visit beautiful hikes with a number of established hiking trails.
One of the most popular trails is the Wadi Dana trail. This 16 kilometer trail starts in the ancient Ottoman village of Dana and goes all the way to the Feynan eco lodge in the middle of the desert.
The beautiful trail follows the dry riverbed from the Dana gorge and has a unique flora and fauna.
When hiking you come across strange plants, flowers and trees as well as the possibility to spot lizards and maybe even ibex when you are lucky. Wherever you go, you have beautiful views on the red rock formations that surround the Dana valley.
What makes the Wadi Dana trail so popular in Jordan and one of the most beautiful hikes in the world is the fact that it is one of the few hikes that you can do without a guide.
It is also a relatively easy hike that one can do as a day hike from Dana village. After a gentle descend into the Dana valley the terrain is relatively flat. With such beautiful views the 16 kilometers are gone before you know it.
Nusa Penida, Indonesia
Recommended by Victoria from Guide Your Travel
The Indonesian island Nusa Penida is home to incredible scenery including steep cliffs and paradise-like beaches. Arguably the most famous beach on the island is Kelingking Beach which can only be reached via one very steep hiking path.
This beautiful hike is not for those who are afraid of heights. In places, it’s more of a climb than a hike and leads you down vertical cliffs with only wooden handrails to hold on to.
The hike down takes just around 45 minutes but back up can take up to two hours so be prepared to sweat a lot.
You definitely have to be physically fit to attempt this scenic hike and don’t forget to wear the correct shoes. Hiking to Kelingking Beach, one of the most beautiful hikes in the world, in flip flops is never a good idea.
All the effort is worth it though. The beach is incredibly beautiful and you’ll have the best view on the way. If you love adventure then this is the hike for you.
Calanques de Cassis, France
Recommended by Nadine from Le Long Weekend
The Calanques National Park is an area of immense natural beauty that spans the land, sea and urban areas between the bustling city of Marseille and the fishing village of Cassis in Southern France.
The park is absolutely littered with hiking trails, but one of the most beautiful, and definitely the most popular, is that of the Calanques de Cassis.
This beautiful trail starts at Port Miou – the first calanque of three you’ll be visiting – and follows the dramatic coastline to Port Pin, a stunning sheltered beach at the end of calanque number 2.
From here, you can climb up to the top of the headland for an incredible view of Calanque d’En Vau before scaling the rocky path to the stunning beach below. The trail then loops back inland to deliver uninterrupted views of Cap Canaille in the distance.
To hike the entire loop of this beautiful trail with the descent to Calanque d’En Vau you’ll need to allow around 4 hours. But schedule in a full day to allow for swimming, sunbathing and to enjoy a picnic in the serene setting.
The best time to visit the Calanques National Park, one of the most beautiful hikes in the world, is in spring when the land is awash with native flowers and the sun isn’t too strong. If visiting in Summer, be sure to check the conditions first, as it often closes, or has reduced hours due to the risk of wildfires in the area.
Devil’s Thumb, Canada
Recommended by Rhonda from Adventure Alberta
Lake Louise, Alberta has many beautiful hikes but one that showcases several of the area’s most beautiful places is Devil’s Thumb Trail.
From the top of Devil’s Thumb, hikers get a panoramic view of the surrounding Rocky Mountains. At one end of the thumb you can look down on both Lake Louise and Lake Agnes, while also getting a view of the Big and Little Beehives, two well-known landmarks.
At the other end of the thumb you can see Victoria Glacier, the famous glacier at the end of Lake Louise.
As stunning as the viewpoint is, the trail to get there is just as scenic. The first part of the scenic hike climbs through a forest, visits Mirror Lake, passes by a small waterfall, then arrives at a historic tea house beside Lake Agnes.
The second part follows the shore of Lake Agnes to a set of switchbacks, then proceeds across a slope above the Plain of Six Glaciers.
This hike is best done in summer (July and August) and can take up to 7 or 8 hours depending on your return route.
Hooker Valley Track, New Zealand
Recommended by Kami from My Wanderlust
Hooker Valley Track is one of the most beautiful hikes you can do in New Zealand (or in the world really). It’s also a really easy one (the altitude change is only around 100meters) making it accessible to just about everyone.
The total length of the scenic hike is only some 5kms one way from the Mount Cook village to Hooker Lake – you need to go back the same way but that’s fine as the views around are simply mind-blowing, it feels like you are walking in the photoshopped image, everything is just too beautiful.
Along the way, you will admire stunning views of Mt. Cook (the highest peak in New Zealand), you will also need to walk through three swing bridges which is kind of thrilling.
At the end of the scenic track, you will reach Hooker Lake with even more beautiful views of Mt. Cook and a resting area where you can relax a bit before going back.
The Hooker Valley Track, as one of the most beautiful hikes, is a splendid place to visit all year long and it will always look beautiful and impressive – be sure to include it in your New Zealand itinerary.
GR34 Hiking Trail, France
Recommended by Elisa from Travel France Bucket List
The GR34 hiking trail – also known as Sentier des Douaniers – in Brittany, France, is one of the top things to do in France, especially for nature lovers looking to explore one of the most beautiful hikes.
This is a multi-day hike that follows Brittany’s coastline for more than 2,000km, but it is also possible to do one or two sections on a day hike.
Along the way, expect to see quaint fishing villages, isolated lighthouses, imposing fortified castles, and secluded beaches.
This hike starts at Saint-Nazaire in Pays-de-la-Loire and ends at the bay of Saint-Michel in Normandy. It is an easy hike, mostly flat following the coast, and it is possible to join it at any section.
Despite being open all year round, Brittany sees many days of rain during the fall and wintertime. Therefore, the best time to walk this trail is in the summer.
Summer in Brittany is the low season, but this is a trail that does not see the crowds. However, be sure to book the accommodation in the main towns or camping well in advance.
Tongariro Alpine Crossing, New Zealand
Recommended by Caroline from CK Travels
The Tongariro Alpine Crossing, as one of the most beautiful hikes, is often described as New Zealand’s greatest day walk and is home to the famous Mt Doom from Lord of the Rings (Mt Ngauruhoe).
Located in the UNESCO Dual World Heritage Park site of Tongariro National Park in the center of the north island, this 19.4km track takes you through steep volcanic terrain.
As it is an active geothermal area you’ll pass through amazing and dramatic landscapes with steaming volcanic craters, ancient lava flows, shimmering emerald colored lakes and cold mountain springs.
The hike usually takes on average between 6 to 8 hours to complete and the incline will suit people with a moderate to good level of fitness.
The Tongariro Alpine Crossing can be hiked all year round, although summer is the most popular time to enjoy the hike, when the hiking trail is snow-free and the weather is warmer. The summer season starts from November through to the end of April.
The Tongariro Crossing is one of the most spectacular things to do in the north island, one of the most beautiful hikes in the world, and should be high on your New Zealand bucket list.
Everest Base Camp Trek, Nepal
Recommended by Campbell and Alya from Stingy Nomads
The Everest Base Camp (EBC) trek in Nepal is one of the most famous multi-day trekking routes and most beautiful hikes in the world. At an altitude of 8848m Mount Everest is the highest mountain on earth.
Everest Base Camp at 5364m above sea level is where the summit attempt starts for extreme mountaineers. The trek to Everest Base Camp is a challenging 12 day trek and completion of this long, high altitude trek is a significant accomplishment. The standard trekking route is 120 kilometers.
This challenging route is known for its beauty leading through spectacular mountain scenery, Buddhist temples and fascinating Sherpa culture.
Trekking in the Himalayas, surrounded by the highest mountains on the planet, crossing glacial rivers on high suspension bridges under Nepalese prayer flags is an unreal experience.
The Everest Base Camp trek is a tea house trek, the small mountain villages on route host many small local guest houses known as tea houses.
Accommodation at the tea houses is very cheap and this is where all trekkers stay, reservation is not required. Meals are served at the tea houses.
The EBC trek can be done independently, without a guide since the route is easy to follow, there is no technical climbing and food and shelter is available.
Many companies do offer guided hikes on this route, or hiring a private guide in Kathmandu or Lukla is not difficult to arrange. The best season to trek to Everest Base Camp is in the pre-monsoon season from March to May or in the post monsoon season from late September until the end of November.
Arctic Circle Trail, Greenland
Recommended by Christian from Unusual Traveler
On the west coast of Greenland is one of the best treks in the world for the adventurous hiker, a 164km/102mile from the tinny settlement of Kangerlussuaq to Sisimut, the second largest town on Greenland.
The Arctic Circle Trail, one of the most beautiful hikes, is only possible during the summer months, and even in July are not getting snow, not unheard of, as I did on my first day on the hike, which was a blessing since it kept the mosquitos away for the first couple of days.
This hike will take you through some of the most pristine and untouched nature in the world during the 9-11 days the hike takes, but you will have to completely self-sufficient and carry all your food and camping gear along with you; there’s no shops, phone signal or guesthouses along the way, even though there are a few cabins which you can stay In for free along the trail, as long as you clean up after yourself.
hike to Everest Base Camp is everyone’s Dreams
These are absolutely stunning. I loveee waterfalls so these are perfect to add to my bucket list! Thanks for sharing.
Awesome Article! very interesting and informative. Thanks for sharing.